Winnipeg Jets Practice Report

Following their 5-4 OT win over the Sharks last night the Jets hit the ice this afternoon in Anaheim as they prepare to face the Ducks tomorrow night at the Honda Center. The big news heading into today’s skate was that Tucker Poolman had been recalled by the team and they placed Shawn Matthias on IR retroactive to January 12th. This leads to speculation about the status of Dmitry Kulikov who was hurt in the game last night, however we will have to wait until coach Maurice speaks following skate to learn more about the Jets backend.

Practice notes:

According to Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press the Jets are using the same line configurations today as they ended the game with last night. That means that their two 2015 1st rounders remain swapped with Jack Roslovic up on the top line and Kyle Connor down on the 4th line. Mike also indicated that neither Tobias Enstrom or Ditry Kulikov are skating today and that Tucker Poolman is not either. Adam Lowry remains in that bright yellow non-contact uniform.

Coach Maurice confirmed that Connor Hellebuyck would start against the Ducks tomorrow night. He also indicated that with all the travel that Hellebuyck has done of late and with his upcoming trip to Tampa for the All-Star game this weekend and then returning back home to get ready to play again that he is inclined to give his number one goalie a rest, adding “I’m not looking for him, right now, to be in that game (vs Tampa on January 30th)”. Of course with Steve Mason’s status at that point unknown it is uncertain if it will be him or recently recalled Michael Hutchinson getting the game against the high powered Lightning when the Jets kick off the first of ten straight home games at Bell MTS Place on Tuesday night. Also worth noting that the Jets bench boss said ‘right now’ which leaves open the possibility that he changes his mind.

Health Updates:

With Tobias Enstrom and Dmitry Kulikov not skating today coach Maurice was asked about his two defenders following today’s skate. “Both possible. We think Toby is going to be fine. We just keep him off, maintenance. Dmitry had a good day so he’ll go out for the morning skate tomorrow, we’ll just make sure he is trending in the right direction. We’ll just leave him as possible for tomorrow.” In a follow-up about Enstrom whether he was to be listed as possible for tomorrow’s game, the coach added “I would say probable. This one’s more maintenance, I don’t expect him to be out. But, see how he’s rolling tomorrow.”

Adam Lowry continues to rock his non-contact uniform although his coach pointed out that he is getting more physical during practice “started on the wall with contact today, so moving in the right direction”. However, the Jets bench boss did confirm that Lowry would not be a player tomorrow.

Coach Maurice scrum topics: Update on Enstrom/Kulikov. Swapping out Kyle Connor/Jack Roslovic. How does he manage the emotions of a Kyle Connor when he gets bumped down to the 4th line? Any thoughts of putting Joel Armia into that top 6? Does he like getting the All-Star break now? Does he wish that Hellebuyck/Wheeler weren’t going so they could rest? Hellebuyck goes tomorrow? The Poolman recall? Further clarity on Enstrom. Update on Lowry.